Greyson Chance comes out as gay in moving Instagram post: 'I am proud of who I am'
Greyson Chance rose to fame at just 12 years old, thanks to his viral YouTube cover of Lady Gaga's 'Paparazzi' and a huge endorsement from Ellen DeGeneres.
Now, seven years later, the 19-year-old singer has decided to open up about his sexuality in a moving Instagram post.
"The decision to write this came after I received a message from a brave individual. Such message inspired me to shed light on an aspect of my private life which I have kept distant from my career in music," Greyson wrote alongside an image of a rainbow flag on July 19.
"I came to fully recognize that I was gay when I was sixteen. I decided not to publicize my sexuality largely due to a matter of privacy, as I was still trying to find comfort and confidence within my own skin. Further, I always found conversations regarding music, politics, art, books – and the greatness of Nas’ catalog – to be far more interesting than what type of guy I was into. This is still true today."
The Oklahoma-raised singer went on to encourage his fans to love themselves and seek self-acceptance.
"While this message is most definitely overdue, I encourage anyone who is navigating their sexuality to devote as much time as they need to the process of finding self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-love," he wrote.
"Hell, for me, it took years to write this message. Nevertheless, I figured now was the time to let a few more friends know that I am happy, I am here for you, and I am proud of who I am."
After finding fame with 'Paparazzi' (his original cover now has nearly 60-million YouTube views), Greyson went on to land a record deal with Interscope and released an album in 2011.
Ellen has remained a supporter through the years, inviting Greyson back on her show in 2015.
"I was proud of you when we met 7 years ago," she tweeted with a link to his coming-out Instagram, "and I'm proud of you now."
